Child Tax Credit

If you have a new baby or you're responsible for any children under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they're in full-time education or approved training) you may be able to claim Child Tax Credit to help with the cost of looking after them.

However, from the 6th April 2017 most people will only be able to claim for up to 2 children if any of them are born after that date.

If you have a disabled child, you may be entitled to extra tax credit. Child Tax Credit is managed and paid by central government.

Help with childcare costs

Maternity benefits

There are two main benefits available to expectant mothers who have been working before and/or during their pregnancy – Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance. Which of these you may be entitled to depends on how long you were working and whether this was for the same or different employers.

Adoption pay and leave

Paternity leave and shared parental leave

The partner of someone who has just had a baby or adopted a child is entitled to one or two weeks paid paternity leave from work. Parents can also share time off work and statutory shared parental pay during the first 52 weeks after the birth or adoption of a child.

Budgeting loans

Families who have been getting income based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, income related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit for at least 26 weeks can apply for an interest free loan to cover the cost of essential items. This can be up to £812 and can be for items such as furniture, clothing, travel expenses.